AT the Paris conference on climate change in December 2015, most countries committed to limit the global average temperature to no more than two degrees above the pre-industrial level because of the urgent need to combat global warming.

The week of October 8 to the 16 was designated as a time to Speak Up as part of the Climate Coalition Week of Action.

Quakers in Britain, as part of this coalition, called for a global climate deal that requires all countries to take their fair share of action to limit rises in global temperature to well below the target of two degrees which means keeping at least 80 per cent of fossil fuels in the ground.

Impacts of climate change are unequally felt and Quakers call for justice for those who suffer the most.

Taunton Quakers support the call from Quakers in Britain for affordable energy that does not harm the planet to be seen as a right for all and seek an increase in community ownership of energy, as is the case with Brendon Energy based in Wiveliscombe.

As part of this, we need to end tax breaks for fossil fuel companies and a massive increase in energy efficiency.

Although these may seem huge targets, each one of us can play a part in achieving them by taking care of our own energy use and by pressing our legislators to produce a robust plan for this country to make the necessary reductions in fossil fuel use.

JOHN AINSWORTH (Clerk)
On behalf of Taunton Quaker Meeting